§ Mr. FIELD (by Private Notice)asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state what measures are being adopted to further safeguard, by convoy or escort, merchant vessels and sailors engaged in the cross-Channel traffic between Ireland and Great Britain?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is manifestly not possible to make public the measures adopted for protection of shipping in the Irish Sea, but the hon. Gentleman may rest assured that the subject is one which is constantly engaging the attention of the Admiralty, and that, so far as our resources allow, every possible step is taken to provide for the safety of the cross-Channel traffic.
§ Mr. FIELDAm I to understand from that reply that greater precautions will be taken in future for the protection of vessels?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAll I can say is that, within our resources, every means are taken and will be taken.
§ Mr. BOLANDHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the statement put into his hand by the hon. and learned Member for North Dublin (Mr. Clancy) referring to the loss within the last few days of a slop on this line, and may I ask whether special precautions will be taken to safeguard them in the future?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have the statement before me, and, although I have not the official detailed report, the telegraphed report shows that the statement is true that a vessel was sunk by submarine quite recently. As regards the last part of the question, within the means at our disposal every possible step is taken to safeguard them